Previewing Saturday's bowl games

Dec. 29, 2012
|

Tavon Austin has lined up at running back as well as wide receiver this season for West Virginia. Entering the Pinstripe Bowl, he's second in the nation in all-purpose yards and averages 12.9 yards each time he's touched the ball. / Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Synopsis: This clash of birds of prey might look pedestrian from the standpoint of won-loss records, but both institutions known for putting studies first don't take bowl appearances lightly and will certainly give maximum effort. It speaks well of the Falcons that they made it to six wins despite being swept by their service academy rivals. The Owls were able to take advantage of a downtrodden Conference USA to end their three-year postseason drought, closing on a four-game winning streak after a 1-5 start. Air Force, contrary to its name, doesn't go to the air much with QB Connor Dietz either keeping the ball or handing it to RB Cody Getz. But Dietz does have 1,127 passing yards, and successful hookups with WRs Ty MacArthur and Drew Coleman often resulting in big gains if the ground game is also working. Owls S Paul Porras will try to keep it all contained. Rice QB Taylor McHargue got hot at the right time down the stretch, making use of TE Vance MCDonald and WR Jordan Taylor. Falcons LB Austin Niklas is usually in the middle of things, run or pass.

Synopsis: The participants in this contest at Yankee Stadium have the most history with each other among all the bowl matchups, so there figure to be a lot of big plays and big hits. Part of that, of course, is due to the presence of the Mountaineers and their propensity to score and give up points in bunches. QB Geno Smith's ultimate weapon is Tavon Austin, officially listed as a receiver though he can line up just about anywhere. Andrew Buie is the more conventional TB, and WR Stedman Bailey must also be watched. Orange QB Ryan Nassib had a strong second half of the season and should be able to keep pace. His arsenal includes members of the grand club at WR, Alec Lemon, and TB, Jerome Smith. WR Marcus Sales is a solid secondary target.

Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco

Navy (8-4) vs. Arizona State (7-5)

Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET/ESPN2. Surface: Grass.

Covers.com line: ASU by 14. Sagarin difference: ASU by 13.77.

Bowl records: ASU 12-12-1, Navy 7-9-1. Series: First meeting.

Synopsis: With a winning season and the Commander in Chief's Trophy secured, Navy hopes to put a cherry on top of what has already been a successful campaign. The Sun Devils showed marked improvement in Todd Graham's first year at the helm and seek another positive achievement heading into the offseason. The Midshipmen came out of their late showdown with Army in good shape. QB Keenan Reynolds and FB Noah Copeland will look to occupy Sun Devils LB Brandon Magee on the inside in hopes of springing SB Gee Gee Greene on edge pitches or play fakes. But ball control will be the top priority since the ASU offensive front will enjoy a significant size advantage on the Navy defense. QB Taylor Kelly and TBs Cameron Marshall and Marion Grice should be able to pick up yards in chunks, though Mids LB Matt Warrick is a good closer who can keep the big runs to a minimum.

Alamo Bowl in San Antonio

No. 14 Oregon State (9-3) vs. No. 25 Texas (8-4)

Time/TV: 6:45 p.m. ET/ESPN. Surface: Artificial.

Covers.com line: Oregon State by 3½. Sagarin difference: Oregon State by 2.30.

Synopsis: At last, we come to a bowl with two ranked teams. Texas is narrowly so, however, after a mid-pack finish in the crowded Big 12. The Longhorns also have to deal with the announcement Friday of the suspension of two players, whom coach Mack Brown did not name, in the wake of allegations of sexual assault. Their QB situation was in flux much of the season, but David Ash was named the starter well in advance of this game. WRs Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley represent the offense's best position group, but getting them the ball will require challenging Beavers' CB Jordan Poyer, who has seven interceptions. OSU is also a pass-first attack, with WRs Markus Wheaton and Brandon Cooks capable of going the distance at any time. Both Cody Vaz and Sean Mannion could get snaps at QB, but whoever lines up behind center will have to avoid Texas DE Alex Okafor.

Synopsis: The Horned Frogs initial run through the Big 12 was a mixed bag, but they figure to notch closer to the top of the standings in the coming year with a more experienced roster. The Spartans were equally middling, but wins against Boise State and Wisconsin were highlights. The Spartans' constant producer is TB Le'Veon Bell, who has rushed for 1,648 yards despite spotty aerial support. If MSU QB Andrew Maxwell is on target, Bell will have an easier time finding real estate against LB Joel Hasley and the developing TCU front. Horned Frogs QB Trevone Boykin will also have to make ball security a priority, but he'll also want to involve breakaway WR Josh Boyce as much as possible. The centerpiece of the Spartans' defense is LB Max Bullough.